Support for picture-frames.



G. P. HEITK'AM. SUPPORT FOR PICTURE FRAMES. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 9, 1914.

Patented Jan. 12, 1915.

jig/5- CRH EiTKA M- CLEMENS r. HEITKAIVLOF INnmNAroLIsINDrAivA.

snrroa'r ron PICTURE-FRAMES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

I 1 ate ntedJan. 12,1915.

Application filed March 9, 1914. Serial 110.823,.395.

' To all whom it may concern:

' Be it known that I, CLEMENS P. HEITKAM, a citizen of the United States, residing at Indianapolis, in the county of Marion and 5 State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Supports for Picture-Frames; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it apper tains to make and use the same. I

This invention relates to improvements in supports for picture frames, mirrors, and

the like and the primary object of the invention is to provide a simply constructed device of this character comprising but two elements and a single part having appreciable movement.

A secondary object is to constructthe fixed element of the support, in such a manner as to form a bearing loop and a pair of integral tension springs, said loop and springs coacting to retain the movable member in folded position or in right angular relation to the frame. or other article, in connection with which the support is employed.

, Still another object is to construct the movable element in such a manner as to allow said loop and springs to securely retain it in right angular relation to the article upon which it is employed.

With the above obiects in view, the invention resides in certain novel features of construction and combination herein de-' scribed and claimed and shown in the drawings wherein Figure 1 is an edge view of a picture frame showing the application of my invention thereto, the movable element being extended: Fig. 2 is a rear elevation of said frame with the parts in the position shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a horizontal section on the line 33 of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a detail perspective view of the fixed member of the support; and Fig. 5 is a similar view of the movable member.

As one application of my invention, I have shown, in the accompanying drawings, a picture frame F which may be of any construction and forms no part of the present invention. Secured to the lower edge of the frame F, by means of fastening screws 1, is my improved support.

As before suggested, the invention comprises a fixed element and a movable element. The fixed element or attaching plate,

is in the form of a flat strip of sheet metal 2 having its opposite ends suitably formed to provide depending supporting feet 3. The body portion of the plate is slit longitudinally, on parallel lines, as shown at 4: and the metal between-said slits is "bent outwardly and. formed, at its central portion, with a loop 5. By this construction, I provide a resilient spring 6 on each side of the loop -5, thefunction of said springs being hereinafter set forth.

The movable member of the invention, is here shown in the form of a rearwardlv extending arm 7, said arm having a downwardly projecting pivot stud 8 at its forward end. The stud 8 (see Figs. 3 and 5) is flattened on its forward side as shown at 9, and is provided with a substantially annular groove 10. g

In assembling the parts. the springs 6 will yield sufliciently to allow the stud 8 to be inserted' between the loop 5 and the attaching plate 2. When said springs are released, their tension will force the loop 5 into the groove 10 and will thereby retain the parts in assembled position. When the arm 7 stands at right angles to the attaching plate 2, the flattened portion 9 of the stud 8 will contact with said attaching plate and thereby said arm will be yieldingly held in this position. When however, it is desired to fold the arm 7 into contact with the rear ends of the frame F, the springs 6 will yield sufliciently to allow the proper outward movement of the loop 5 thereby allowing said arm to be folded.

I have described the attaching plate 2, as provided with a pair of depending feet 3, but I do not wish to be limited to this feature of construction since, the remaining parts of the invention, would operate to equal advantage were the frame'allowed to rest upon its lower edge. I have also described said attaching plate as being secured in position by means of fastening screws but it will be clear that any appropriate fastening elements could be employed to equal advantage.

I have described no specific formation of the arm 7 since it will operate to equal advantage whether it be straight or curved, provided the depending pivot stud 8 be retained.

From the foregoing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, the construction and operation of'the invention will be readily understoodvvithout requiring a more extended explanation.

As before suggested, various changes in form, proportion and minor details may be resorted to Without departing from the;

spirit of the invention as claimed.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1.. A device of; the character described comprising supporting arm, upright pivot stud; carried by the forward end thereof and having'its forward, faceflattened, a shoulder on the free end; of said pivot stud, a bearing loo-pg passing around said stud between said shoulder and said" armand a leaf spring projecting from one Side of said loop, and adapted for attachment to an article to be supported.

2. A; device of the character described comprising a supporting arm, an upright pivot stud carried by the forward end thereof and having its forward face fiattened, said stud having a substantially annular groove,a bearing loop passing around said stud and lying Within said groove and a leaf spring projecting from one side of said loop and adapted for attachment to an article. to be supported".

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CLEMENS P. HEITKAlX I. Witnesses:

PHILIPPINE F EY, EDWARD D. REARDON.

Copiesolthis patent may boobltained YGI flYQ cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patentsv Washington, D. G. 

